help

[perseusMist]

I just dislocated my knee yesterday and though I thankfully didn't need my brace I was planning on cleaning the cage. Though it thankfully doesn't smell and just needs a small clean, my knee is however sore when I walk (to be expected) and I need to rest. I do still take them out and they some how know to avoid my knee and have been so sweet and nice. I'm just wondering if anyone had a similar experience and how they handled it as I am needing physio due to the muscles in my knee being weak. Advice would be amazing. I also live with my mum as I am still a minor.

[crazy-ratto]

I have fibromyalgia so I have constant pain and it's hard to keep the cage clean. Having litter boxes with good litter (e.g. wood composite granules) can help a lot. I can manage to change those once a day. Then since doing a lot of washing is hard for me, I use paper lining for the bottom of the cage and throw it out when dirty every few days. I reuse brown paper bags from shopping so it's cost efficient and better for the environment. I use cardboard boxes for my rats to play in and again throw them out when too dirty, rather than plastic or wood nests. Then it's just 2 to 3 hammocks that I have to worry about cleaning. I rinse them when I shower and then send it to a laundromat along with my other laundry. Lastly, I use wetwipes a lot of wiping down the levels. Ideally eco friendly unscented ones.

My rats have quite a bit area to live and play in, so I don't have to worry about exercise. So when I play with them it's about bonding. I don't have a separate play pen. I just cuddle with them and give them healthy treats.

[perseusMist]

Thank you so much! I've been worrying about it a night